Harold Hughes

Harold "Junior" Hughes, 61, of New Philadelphia, died Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, in his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Born, Sept. 5, 1948, in Dennison, he was a son of the late Harold Hughes Sr. and Eula Lowery. Harold graduated from Dover High School in 1968, where he loved and excelled in playing basketball. He continued to play after graduation in an organized league until he was 54. Harold was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam as an officer in the Military Police. He retired from Union Camp in 2004, where he was employed for nearly thirty years.

Harold was also a nature enthusiast, and devoted much of his time caring for horses, which he dearly loved. He was also a die-hard Cleveland sports fan, especially of his beloved Browns. Harold had an amazig ability to connect with children and animals. He touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a compassionate, loving man who never met a stranger.

Harold is survived by his wife of twenty-seven years, Sherry Hughes; two children, Denise Hughes Hendricks of Massillon, and Steven Sherrell of Uhrichsville; two sisters, Flora (Clarence) Houston of Detroit, MI, and Betty Mills of Midvale; a brother, Henry Duane Hughes of New Philadelphia; a sister-in-law, Mollie Hughes of Dover; grandchildren, Darian, Tre, Alyrica and James Hendricks, Nycia Sherrell, and Cole and Clay Selway; beloved nephews, Kenny, Troy and Mark Houston, Roderick Mills, Cory and Joshua Hughes; beloved nieces, Christy Houston Eaves and Laura Hughes; and a host of other wonderful relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; two beloved nephews, Robert "Bobby" and Eric Mills; and by his faithful dog, Shakka.

Family and friends will gather in the First Baptist Church, 140 Regent St., Dover, on Monday, Dec. 21, from 6 to 7 p.m., with a memorial celebration of Harold's life beginning at begin at 7. Rev. Christopher Lowery will officiate. A meal and time of fellowship will follow the memorial celebration.

To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Harold, please visit the Toland-Herzig Web site and click on Obituaries.

The family suggests that contributions in Harold's memory be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. Third St., Dover, OH 44622.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com